Set to be Australia’s largest coated fine paper mill producing more than 390,000 tonnes of coated fine paper each year for domestic consumption, Swanbank has launched a programme for sustainable industrial water recycling efficiency.
Based in South East Queensland, the project boasts a world’s best practice water management solution, significantly exceeding the Queensland State Government’s strict industrial water efficiency guidelines.
The $1.2bn project will deliver significant sustainable environmental and social benefits for both Ipswich residents and the Bremer River catchment area.
Swanbank Paper CEO Joe Foster said this innovative recycling solution far exceeds the conditions applied as part of State Government approved Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed plant and demonstrates Swanbank Paper’s commitment to best practice water management.
“Given the economic significance of this project to the Ipswich community and South East Queensland we are focused on a long term, sustainable solution for industrial water recycling,” says Foster.
“This project will save 12 million litres or the equivalent of six Olympic-sized swimming pools of drinking water each day for Ipswich residents. Importantly, it will also protect the Bremer River’s long-term water quality.”
Last month, the Environmental Protection Agency approved Swanbank Paper’s industrial water recycling proposal, further emphasising the project’s commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable solutions.
“By investing in state-of-the-art, on-site industrial water recycling infrastructure we will assist the mill in producing a world class product that will be internationally cost competitive and environmentally sustainable,” says Foster.
“This is a long-term investment in and commitment to sustainable water management and demonstrates Swanbank Paper’s constructive contribution to the state’s water crisis.”
In November 2005, Swanbank Paper reached another major milestone when it was awarded Major Project Facilitation Status by the Federal Government.
The project already has the support of the local and state government, which Foster says provides much needed certainty as the project moves to gain final development approval and complete project funding negotiations.
The Swanbank Paper mill will provide employment for up to 650 people during the project’s two year construction phase and employment for about 300 people once fully operational. It will also stimulate new investment in research and development related to mill design and technology.
Swanbank Paper is also negotiating a number of global export business opportunities, capitalising on increasing demand for efficiently produced paper.
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